Speaking

Whenever you face a tragedy or any extraordinary hardship, whether it’s a diagnosis with Alzheimer’s, or being a round-the-clock caregiver, or suicide or the death of a child—whatever it is, the world seems divided inevitably into two groups: those who have been through this circumstance, as well, and those who haven’t. Most of our friends fall into the second group.

— Mary Cail

Mary Cail, Selected Presentations

Financial Planning Association of Central Virginia ⎟December 2, 2016

"Facing Alzheimer's: Essential Understanding, Empathetic Planning"

About. This presentation, approved for continuing education credit for Certified Financial Planners, focuses on how Alzheimer’s disease begins and progresses through three discernible stages, what can be predicted from the outset about the needs and limitations of caregivers and clients with Alzheimer's disease, as well as some of the more problematic 'unknowns' and the potential impact of these unpredictable factors on securing professional care and on family members’ capacity to provide care. The unique concerns of early stage dementia, the cost of different care options, the problem of aggression and other challenging behaviors, and the issue of competence will be discussed, along with recommendations to minimize the possibility of financial loss due to declining cognitive abilities.

I’ve been through the evaluations that were completed at this morning’s meeting and you were a hit with our attendees! All gave you the highest rating and thought the information you presented was very informative. Thank you again for sharing so much timely information from your head and heart with our membership.

Community Ideas Station ⎟November 17, 2016

"How to Encourage Others to be a Better Friend to You and Your Loved One"

Refresh, ReFuel & Retool

About. This interactive workshop is a time of engagement for family caregivers with experts in the field of Alzheimer's and dementia. Sessions will explore positive approaches to living with the disease from the perspective the caregiver as well as the loved one with Alzheimer's. It is presented in partnership with The Community Idea Stations, Public Broadcasting System, National Public Radio, and the Alzheimer's Association. (program brochure)

Your presentation was such an important and successful element to the program. I know I have said this before, but whether you are speaking or we are reading your book, you make us feel like we are talking to a well-loved friend. Your presentation was moving and so packed with useful information.

15th Annual Alzheimer's Education Conference ⎟November 10, 2016

"How to Support Friends and Relatives Coping with Alzheimer's Disease"

Enhancing the Quality of Life in Dementia Care

About. This conference brings together health professionals and families to understand a person-directed approach to caring for those living with Alzheimer's. It is presented by the Alzheimer's Association of Central and Western Virginia in partnership with the Virginia Geriatric Education Center. (program brochure)

Your message of compassion is so powerful that I was not surprised when you received a standing ovation from the audience. Thank you for sharing your moving personal story and methods that are both practical and transformative.

University of Virginia Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ⎟August 29, 2016

"Often Overlooked": Caring for Those with Alzheimer's and Their Caregivers"

About. Mary Cail, author of Alzheimer's: A Crash Course for Friends and Relatives will discuss specific techniques for supporting patients who are coping with dementia, as well as their caregivers.

Hearing Mary Cail speak of her story and her writing reminded me what being a healthcare practitioner and a friend should be about. She has inspired me to be a better listener and to see others with renewed respect, compassion and grace. The practical advice contained in her presentation is applicable to any relationship, but specifically helpful when it comes to connecting with those who are going through significant loss; whether functional or relational. I give her my highest recommendation as a speaker and a teacher.

The Lodge at Old Trail ⎟August 18, 2016

"Easy Ways to Support Friends with Alzheimer's and Caregivers"

An Evening with Author Mary Cail

About. This month we welcome Mary Cail, PhD, the author of Alzheimer’s: A Crash Course for Friends and Relatives, and founder of The All-Weather Friend, an organization which helps people support friends during life’s most difficult circumstances. Mary will be on hand to discuss easy ways to support friends with Alzheimer’s and caregivers, as well as share the backstory behind The All- Weather Friend. (program flyer)

Your presentation was both incredibly moving and informative. After the session I was moved to buy your book. I’ve just now completed it and have been reflecting on your remarks that evening and the information in the book. Thank you so much for sharing your story in such eloquent and heartfelt fashion at the Lodge and for the sage advice in your book. As I read it, I could not help but wonder why you have not also considered a career in creative writing. Apart from the advice it contained, my favorite part of your book is the beautiful way in which you convey your information.

2015 Virginia Festival of the Book

"Often Overlooked: How to Support Friends and Relatives Dealing with Alzheimer's Disease"

Alzheimer's: A Crash Course for Friends and Relatives, by Mary Cail

About. Mary Cail, PhD, is the author of Alzheimer’s: A Crash Course for Friends and Relatives and creator of the All-Weather Friend series, an emerging set of books and booklets on how to help friends through specific hardships. She blogs for Maria Shriver’s Architects of Change series and the Huffington Post.

Alzheimer’s: A Crash Course for Friends and Relatives, by Mary Cail, is an insightful resource for anyone who is touched by a life affected by Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. It is especially pertinent for friends of caregivers.

Let me start by saying that Dr. Cail is a brilliant speaker. I was privileged to attend her talk at the Virginia Festival of the book last month in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she offered a rare honesty into her life and motivations.

2015 Radford Reads Literary Festival⎟July 18, 2015

Reading and Recreation

About. Panel discussion with Dick Wall, author of Mr. Owita's Guide to Gardening, Mary Cail, author of Alzheimer's: A Crash Course for Friends and Relatives, and Neil Sagebiel, author of Draw the Dunes: The 1969 Ryder Cup and the Finish That Shocked the World

"Glencoe Museum will be site of Radford Reads Literary Festival" Roanoke Times, July 11, 2015

Friends of the Library, Fayetteville, NC ⎮October 9, 2012

Friends of the Library Hosts Author Visit

About. "...The isolation in facing this disease can also be debilitating. If there is no one to relate to, situations often seem far bleaker than they are, but Dr. Mary Cail has written a book that counteracts this perception. It offers true accounts of people dealing with Alzheimer’s and advice concerning the care of these patients. Cail will be at the Headquarters Library Pate Room, which is located at 300 Maiden Ln., on Oct. 9, from 7 until 9 p.m., to discuss her book." (From Up & Coming Weekly,by Erinn Crider)

People found the true stories and straightforward advice in Dr. Mary Cail’s presentation and book to be very helpful and practical—not the clichéd platitudes they so often hear from well-meaning friends and family.

— Suzanne Frank, President, Friends of the Library

Mary speaks about grief, friendship through difficult times, ways to support caregivers and people coping with Alzheimer's disease, and how business people who interact with an older client group can respond to the communication challenges dementia brings to the professional relationship.

If you are interested in scheduling an event, please send an inquiry using the form below.